A review of metal-organic framework-derived carbon electrode materials for capacitive deionization

Capacitive deionization (CDI), in which electrode materials play an important role, is considered a novel desalination technology because of its advantages of low energy consumption, low cost and low pollution. Porous electrode materials with a high accessible surface area, hydrophilic surfaces and excellent electrochemical performance have proved to be ideal. Carbons derived from metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are most suitable for this purpose because of their controllable morphology and microstructure, suitable pore size distribution, and excellent electrical conductivity. The preparation and of MOF-derived carbon materials and their performance for the use as CDI electrode materials are reviewed. These include MOF-derived carbons, modified MOF-derived carbons, doped MOF-derived carbons and MOF-derived carbon composites with graphene, carbon nanofibers and carbon nanotubes. The advantages and challenges of these carbon electrode materials for CDI are summarized and future development is proposed.

Automated summary

MOF-derived carbon materials show great potential in capacitive deionization technology, with controllable morphology and microstructure, suitable pore size distribution, and excellent electrical conductivity, making them ideal CDI electrode materials. The performance of different types of MOF-derived carbon materials for CDI is discussed, as well as the advantages and challenges they present.